Emily M. Dickens, J.D.

As we navigate the complex landscape of contemporary workplaces, it’s critical to understand the instrumental role that policy and advocacy play in shaping effective and sustainable work environments. Drawing connections between legislative developments on the Hill and their direct implications for your boardroom and beyond, this talk demystifies the often opaque realm of policy-making, offering practical insights into how you can align your organizational strategies with evolving societal frameworks.

Learn from and be inspired by compelling personal stories underscoring the transformative impact of creating opportunities out of unforeseen circumstances—and highlight why fostering diversity and promoting equity are strategic imperatives driving organizational effectiveness. This narrative sets the stage for a broader exploration of how inclusion can be cultivated among employees, leading to a thriving workplace culture that works for all.

As long as we have a heartbeat, polarizing topics will continue to exist both inside and outside of the workplace, leading to pain and division among colleagues, leadership, and even customers. The question is not if we deal with conflict but how we, as people and as organizations, will handle it when we inevitably do. The problem is that no one has led the discussion about how to guide today’s workforce to remain civil when discussing polarizing topics… until now. With extensive experience in navigating organization-wide conflict and influence over 362 million workers worldwide, SHRM’s Executive Voices are uniquely positioned to help all of us nurture civility in the workplace.

No stranger to the ups and downs of a divided workplace, through Civility Starts at Work, SHRM executives explore the impact of civility on work culture and provide an outline for equipping employees to have candid, civil dialogue while supporting the mental health of all employees. Walk away with a strategic roadmap for facing the storm of conflict, gain insight on just how to measure and quantify people and strategy, and put your audience on a path to inspiring a more civil world.

In an era where the digital economy has given rise to new measures of global expansion, many companies find themselves unprepared to harness the wealth of talent at their fingertips. When we open up our organizations to a world of candidates—literally—we often lack the research and training needed to bridge international differences and build connections across the globe. Through the message of Untapped Talent, SHRM executives provide vital strategies for tapping into previously overlooked talent pools, ensuring your workforce possesses the skills needed for success.

Learn how a global workforce is defined and what steps must be taken to become one, while gaining the tools needed to juggle this unprecedented growth. SHRM’s Executive Voices use decades of combined experience in people management and global expansion to bring you best practices for talent acquisition and retention in this new era of unparalleled opportunities.

Explore the crucial interconnections between education, caregiving responsibilities, and public policy in shaping the modern workplace. Discover how aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities through flexible work arrangements and comprehensive family leave policies, and proactively engaging with policymakers can create a more resilient and inclusive workforce. This talk emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the role of employers in fostering an environment that acknowledges and supports caregivers.

Gain valuable insights into the latest legislative trends and their implications for workplace practices, along with practical strategies for implementing supportive policies that address the needs of a diverse workforce. This session aims to inspire HR professionals, business leaders, and policymakers to champion initiatives that integrate education, caregiving, and policy, ultimately driving positive change and fostering a thriving workplace.

Explore the pivotal role of gender inclusion in creating equitable and diverse workplaces worldwide. This talk delves into the importance of gender diversity, highlighting its positive impact on organizational performance, innovation, and employee engagement. She examines global trends and best practices in promoting gender inclusion, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches that respect regional differences while striving for universal principles of equality.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into developing and implementing effective gender inclusion strategies within their organizations. Emily shares actionable steps for fostering an inclusive culture that supports gender diversity, addressing challenges such as unconscious bias, pay equity, and career advancement opportunities for all genders. This session aims to inspire HR professionals and business leaders to champion gender inclusion initiatives, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous global workforce.